Balsamic Roasted Maple Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries and Toasted Pecans
Indulge in the flavours of the season with my Balsamic Roasted Maple Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries and Toasted Pecans. This gluten-free and vegan side dish, taking only 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook, will be the perfect festive addition to your holiday table.
Discover the health wonders in each ingredient: fibre-packed Brussels sprouts, immunity-boosting cranberries, and mood-enhancing pecans rich in tryptophan, perfect for your seasonal celebrations.
Keep scrolling for the full recipe, health benefits, and a festive recipe roundup of yummy dishes you can bring to those upcoming holiday gatherings!
Balsamic Roasted Maple Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries and Toasted Pecans
Vegan | Gluten-free
Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 30 minutes | Serves: 4 sides
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Brussels sprouts stem and brown leaves removed and cut in half 5 cups
- 3 tbsp avocado oil
- 2 tbsp + 2 tsp maple syrup, divided
- ¾ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
- ½ cup raw unsalted pecans
- ¼ cup unsweetened dried cranberries
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for faster cleanup.
- In a large bowl whisk together avocado oil, 2 tbsp maple syrup, salt and pepper.
- Remove the stems and brown leaves from the Brussels sprouts and cut in half. Pour into the bowl and toss in the maple glaze until fully coated.
- Place the Brussels Sprouts on the baking sheet and spread out evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until the outside of the Brussels sprouts is caramelized and the inside is soft. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and remaining maple syrup.
- Place the pecans in a dry frying pan and toast over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes until fragrant and slightly brown.
- Top the Balsamic Roasted Maple Brussels Sprouts with cranberries and toasted pecans.
Health Benefits of Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a part of the Brassica oleracea family, which includes other fantastic cruciferous veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and cabbage – my favs! These veggies contain glucosinolate, a sulfur-based compound that gives them their unique taste and aroma.
Brussels sprouts are an excellent source of fiber which contributes to healthy digestion. They’re also a great source of magnesium which helps with sleep, synthesizing proteins, building strong bones, and regulating blood pressure. Brussels sprouts are also a great way to get some Vitamin C in during the colder months. Vitamin C helps to support our immune system (hello cold & flu season) and boosts our collagen production and skin health which I definitely need during these dry Canadian winters.
Finally, brussels sprouts are also a great source of Vitamin K which supports our circulatory system, folate which helps form DNA and RNA, and Vitamin A which helps to support eye health and our immune system.
Health Benefits of Cranberries
Of course, what is a winter vegetable dish without tangy cranberries?! I love cranberries in veggie dishes. Cranberries add a delightful sweetness to savoury dishes that I think help to balance them perfectly. But cranberries aren’t just here for flavour.
Cranberries are a powerhouse of bioactive elements. Their impact on urinary tract health has been a focus of scientific study since the 20th century. However, these days, the attention of researchers has shifted towards cranberries’ ability to shield against cancer and vascular diseases. Compounds like anthocyanins, procyanidins, and flavonols found in cranberries have shown exciting potential in preventing cancers.
These amazing berries were even tested in clinical trials, showing they can improve cholesterol levels that affect heart health and reduce different risks linked to heart and metabolic problems.
Health Benefits of Pecans
Pecans are loaded with tryptophan, an amino acid renowned for its presence in holiday turkey! It’s not just the bird that makes us feel content and relaxed. Tryptophan actively heightens our serotonin levels, reducing stress responses, fostering better sleep, and enhancing mood.
Pecans also contain protein and fat to help keep you feeling full. As well as important minerals like magnesium, potassium, zinc, and selenium!
Chocolate Peppermint Holiday Cooking Class
These delicious Balsamic Roasted Maple Brussels Sprouts are so good they might make you forget about dessert altogether! But I, of course, am never one to forget dessert if there’s chocolate on the table.
I am thrilled to invite your team into my kitchen this holiday season for an unforgettable Chocolate Peppermint Holiday Cooking Class!
Together in this cooking class, we’ll craft Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies, where the rich essence of cocoa intertwines with refreshing peppermint for an irresistible treat. But of course that’s not all!
This holiday season I’m giving your team the gift of choice. Choose between my Healthy Peppermint Truffles, delightful chocolate bites filled with creamy peppermint goodness, or the warming delight of a Spiked Peppermint Hot Chocolate for an irresistible holiday happy hour. This class promises a merry fusion of holiday flavours and new culinary skills for your corporate team this season!
While distance may separate your team across the country, celebrating together virtually is still within reach! Embrace a lively and interactive virtual holiday party experience even if your team is dispersed. Engage and bond with your remote employees through team-building virtual cooking classes like this one. These sessions offer a fantastic opportunity for your team to reconnect in a relaxed setting while fostering unity for all.
Email me at info@jesselanewellness.com for more details, or check out my Corporate Wellness page for more info on how you can book your team today!
Healthy Dishes You Can Bring To Any Holiday Party
In this recipe roundup, I’m going to share some of my favourite dishes that you can bring to any holiday gathering!
Cranberry Apple Kale Slaw
This delightful salad balances sweet and hearty flavours, combining the juicy sweetness of apples and cranberries with the freshness of kale. Perfect for larger gatherings, this vibrant slaw keeps wonderfully in the fridge, ready to enjoy throughout the holidays. Adorn your holiday table with its beautiful red and green hues. This slaw also gives us a nice dose of greens which helps to break up some of the heavier dishes you’ll often find at holiday parties.
Broccoli Cornbread Quiche
If comfort food is more your jam get ready for a festive spin on the classic quiche with my Broccoli Cornbread Quiche! This unique creation features a moist, gluten-free cornbread base topped with a fluffy, dairy-free broccoli quiche. With simple yet delightful flavours, this dish lets the rich taste of cornbread harmonize perfectly with the essence of eggs and broccoli. A fun addition to your holiday comfort food menu, sure to delight guests and family alike!
Vegan Toasted Pecan Clusters aka Healthy Turtles Chocolate
Spread some holiday cheer with my Vegan Toasted Pecan Clusters! With holiday chocolates adorning the shelves, it’s tempting to reach for those indulgent, refined sugar and dairy-laden treats. But here’s my festive solution: skip the store-bought and craft your own! Enter my Vegan Toasted Pecan Clusters—a healthier take on classic Turtles chocolates. These delightful bites are free from dairy and refined sugar, and packed with nutrient-rich whole-food ingredients that bring joy to every bite. Embrace the season’s goodness with this guilt-free, delicious treat!
